Episode Summary: “Boys Have At It”: How Robin Pemberton Went From Cup Winning Crew Chief To Legendary NASCAR Official

Host and Guest Introduction The episode of Herm & Schrader features Robin Pemberton, a highly respected figure in NASCAR history, as the guest. Hosted by Kenny Wallace, the conversation delves into Robin's extensive career, his pivotal roles within NASCAR teams, and his influence on the sport's evolution.

1. Early Life and Introduction to Racing [03:48 - 06:58]

Robin Pemberton begins by sharing his roots in Malta, New York, highlighting his family's involvement in the restaurant business near the Albany Saratoga Speedway. This proximity to the racetrack fostered his early passion for racing, allowing him to form lasting relationships with racing legends like Jerry Cook and Pete Hamilton.

Robin Pemberton [04:24]: "We were in the outskirts, about 10 miles of Boston Spa... I got to meet some great people."

Key Highlights:

• Grew up near Albany Saratoga Speedway, immersing in the racing culture from a young age.
• Maintained lifelong friendships with notable racers, influencing his future career in NASCAR.

2. Transition to Petty Enterprises [09:50 - 14:58]

Kenny Wallace commends Robin as one of the greatest crew chiefs, citing his 26 NASCAR Cup Series wins. Robin recounts his move south in 1979 with only $65, driving his blue Corvette to join Petty Enterprises. Despite financial hardships, including sleeping in his car, his dedication paid off as he rose to become the crew chief for racing icons like Cal Petty, Mark Martin, and Rusty Wallace.

Robin Pemberton [10:09]: "I drove down... I was, literally, a virgin... and I was overwhelmed."

Key Highlights:

• Overcame financial struggles to secure a position at Petty Enterprises.
• Developed strong professional relationships, particularly with Richard Petty, who became a major influence.
• Achieved significant success, contributing to Petty Enterprises' dominance during that era.

3. Building Roush Racing and Sabco [25:03 - 41:34]

Robin details his pivotal role in founding Roush Racing alongside Steve Meal, discussing the challenges of starting with limited resources and the relentless work ethic that drove them to success. Transitioning to Sabco Racing, Robin shares anecdotes about working with Kyle Petty, emphasizing their collaborative approach to car setup and race strategy that led to multiple victories.

Robin Pemberton [32:28]: "You know, we're going going NASCAR cup racing and putting a team together."

Key Highlights:

• Established Roush Racing, laying the groundwork for its future success in NASCAR.
• Fostered a strong teamwork culture, leading to innovative car setups and race strategies.
• Achieved notable wins, including a memorable race at Rockingham where they led 480 of 492 laps.

4. The “Boys Have At It” Moment [85:00 - 88:43]

As Vice President of Competition for NASCAR, Robin recounts the infamous 2010 press conference where he spontaneously declared, "Boys, have at it," encouraging drivers to self-regulate and bring excitement back to the sport. This unscripted remark became a significant moment in NASCAR history, symbolizing a shift towards allowing more driver autonomy amidst growing concerns over the sport's stagnation.

Robin Pemberton [87:42]: "So boys, have at it and have a good time."

Key Highlights:

• Addressed the need for increased excitement and reduced over-regulation in NASCAR.
• The spontaneous declaration received widespread attention, highlighting Robin's influential role.
• Sparked debates on the balance between regulation and driver freedom within the sport.

5. Challenges as NASCAR Official [89:02 - 94:27]

Navigating the complexities of officiating within a community of former peers, Robin discusses the difficulties of maintaining impartiality while understanding the intricate dynamics of NASCAR teams. He emphasizes the importance of communication between the competition side and the garage areas, striving to bridge gaps and foster mutual respect.

Robin Pemberton [93:00]: "It was a two-way street because I was able now to see, peek behind the curtain."

Key Highlights:

• Faced the challenge of enforcing rules among former friends and colleagues.
• Worked diligently to educate teams about the competitive and regulatory aspects of NASCAR.
• Struggled with the increasing commercialization and complexity of the sport, impacting team dynamics.

6. Reflections on NASCAR’s Evolution [95:22 - 99:56]

Robin reflects on the explosion of NASCAR's popularity in the '90s and '2000s, attributing the sport's challenges to the influx of money and the resultant lack of stringent regulations. He critiques the proliferation of multiple cars per driver and the consequent erosion of competition integrity, advocating for a return to more standardized and cost-effective practices.

Robin Pemberton [97:50]: "We are our own worst enemy... we exploited those rules to our advantage."

Key Highlights:

• Discusses the detrimental effects of excessive team expansion and financial influx.
• Highlights the need for stricter regulations to preserve the competitive nature of NASCAR.
• Expresses a desire for NASCAR to prioritize American-made components and standardized equipment.

7. Conclusion and Legacy [104:03 - End]

The episode concludes with Robin Pemberton approaching his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, celebrating his contributions as a pioneer in the sport. Kenny Wallace lauds Robin's relentless dedication and technical expertise, reiterating his status as a legendary figure in NASCAR.

Kenny Wallace [105:30]: "There he is, Robin Pemberton. Are you doing anything right now?"

Key Highlights:

• Robin anticipates his Hall of Fame induction, recognizing his lasting impact on NASCAR.
• Kenny praises Robin's career achievements and his role in shaping the sport.
• The episode wraps up with acknowledgments and invitations to listeners to engage with Kenny Conversation on various platforms.

Notable Quotes

• Robin Pemberton [10:09]: "I drove down... I was, literally, a virgin... and I was overwhelmed."
• Robin Pemberton [25:03]: "We went... putting a team together."
• Robin Pemberton [87:42]: "So boys, have at it and have a good time."
• Robin Pemberton [93:00]: "It was a two-way street because I was able now to see, peek behind the curtain."
• Kenny Wallace [105:30]: "There he is, Robin Pemberton. Are you doing anything right now?"

Conclusion

This episode offers an in-depth look into Robin Pemberton's illustrious career in NASCAR, highlighting his technical prowess, leadership qualities, and his pivotal role in significant moments that have shaped the sport. Through personal stories and reflections, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and triumphs that define Robin's legacy in the racing world.